Catch & Release: Handling, Weighing & Releasing Fish Properly

Catch & Release – Why and How

Not every fish that takes the bait ends up in the pan: some are undersized, some are in their closed season, some simply aren't usable. Putting those back carefully is allowed – and required. Catch and release then means: handling the fish responsibly so it survives the encounter.

The legal situation in Germany: fishing deliberately just to release everything you catch, with no intention of using it, is regarded as a breach of the German Animal Welfare Act: no one may cause an animal pain, suffering or harm without good reason (Section 1 TierSchG). The details are set out in each state's fishing law. You must release a fish, on the other hand, when it is protected, undersized or not usable – and that is exactly what the techniques below are for.

Why C&R Makes Sense

• Large fish are the most productive spawners — a 60 cm pike produces 10x more eggs than a 40 cm pike
• Preserving wild populations, especially in overfished waters
• Closed seasons and minimum sizes only work if the fish you put back survive the encounter

The Right Gear

Landing net: a large-mesh, knotless net — fine mesh and knots damage the slime coat. Rubber-coated nets are ideal.

Hook removers / forceps: for safely removing the hook without risking your fingers (especially with pike!)

Treble hooks / single hooks: single hooks are easier to remove than trebles. For pure C&R: crimp down the barb or use barbless hooks.

Weigh sling / unhooking mat: a soft surface for placing the fish on while weighing and photographing it — protects the belly and slime coat.

Step by Step: Releasing the Fish

1. Keep the fight as short as possible — exhausted fish recover less well
2. Net the fish in the water — never let it be thrown onto a jetty or bank
3. Wet your hands before handling — dry hands damage the slime coat
4. Remove the hook: with forceps, twist it straight out — never yank it
5. Measure & weigh: briefly, on a weigh mat or in the water
6. Photograph: hold the fish close to the water, lift it out briefly — max. 30 seconds
7. Release: hold the fish facing into the water until it swims off on its own — never just toss it in

Signs of Exhaustion

A well-recovered fish swims off actively. If it lies on its side or reacts sluggishly:

• Hold it in the water, gently move it back and forth (water through the gills)
• Move it to a calmer spot
• Be patient — recovery can sometimes take 5–10 minutes

What C&R Is Not

C&R does not mean hours-long fights with undersized tackle. Nor does it mean holding a fish out of the water for 10 minutes for photos. Responsible C&R means: quick, gentle, respectful. And it is no licence to put every fish back on principle – see the legal note above.

Sources

• Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG): § 1, accessed 5 Oct 2026

The sources support individual statements in this article. The organisations named have neither reviewed nor endorsed it.